Joe Ballance Appointed Head Coach for Pioneers

2010-01-02

The William Paterson University (WPU) Pioneers officially appointed Joe Ballance as Head Coach beginning the second half of the 09-10 season as announced by Bob Carnathan.

The William Paterson University (WPU) Pioneers officially appointed Joe Ballance as Head Coach beginning the second half of the 09-10 season as announced by Bob Carnathan. “This was the plan since the summer when we first announced changes to the staff. I have some family responsibilities that require more of my attention but it still enables me to stay involved with the program that I have been a part of for 14 years. Coach Ballance had taken on the more involved role since the beginning of the season and it was no secret to those involved with the team. After last season both Coach Scarpa and I felt that a fresh face needed some time to develop his own voice with the team, and as you can see the results have continued a path of success that WPU Hockey has had in place for the past 5 seasons. Being ranked #1 in the Northeast clearly states that Coach Ballance has the support of the team and staff in driving results as we head towards a goal of being at the ACHA Nationals and winning the SECHL title.” Carnathan will maintain his involvement with the team as the Head of Hockey Operations which will allow him to continue to provide key support as a member of the Hockey staff.

The Pioneers got off to a slow start to the season playing top ranked ACHA D1 teams, but the team has not lost since November and is currently on a 10-game winning streak. Overall the Pioneers are 17-6 and a lot of credit has to go to Coach Ballance who has been very involved in running the team since the beginning of the season. “It is a great honor and with pleasure to take on the responsibility of Head Coach in this organization. I am appreciative of the opportunity and prepared for the challenges ahead. We have a lot of work ahead of us in keeping our program at the top of the ACHA and we need big efforts from everyone involved in the program to keep WPU as a prominent option for students who want to play at a very high level of hockey in the Northeast. A high rate of success is a standard at WPU and with hard work we will maintain that standard” Coach Ballance also recognizes the efforts that need to be continued’ In the previous 5 years with a record of 104-43, I respect what foundation and success that Coach Scarpa and Carnathan have built through their efforts and sacrifice of the players at WPU. I plan on building on that momentum with their help to continue to bring a National recognition of the ACHA to New Jersey and the WPU community.”

Coach Scarpa will remain on as the Associate Head Coach and GM of the team. “I’m excited for multiple reasons” said Scarpa. “I am excited for WPU Hockey to get a man like Joe Ballance to guide the team. This can only mean that the WPU program can move forward properly. I can certainly appreciate the effort that he will need from the rest of the Coaching Staff. I’m also excited to get back to helping the Club when I can from a hockey perspective as I have had a chance to re-kindle my energy during the fall. And I am excited for the WPU players as having Coach Ballance gives them the proper attention they deserve because of all their efforts and a chance to compete on the ACHA National stage.”

Ballance concluded with “Our goals lie ahead, the team will have to face some challenges in the second half based upon our schedule that includes some big games including arch rival Montclair State and Marist, and on the road to National runner up FGCU in Florida . Then the very difficult SECHL playoffs will be a huge factor. Our recruiting effort is going very well thanks to Coach Michaelchuck and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that without Coach Bill Katinsky and Mike Burke’s efforts we would not be where we are right now.”

The Pioneers return to play on January 10^th at 11 AM vs. Temple at the Ice Vault in Wayne, NJ to start the second half of the season.